Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original Formula With Real Chicken Review

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Review of Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original Formula With Real Chicken

According to our data, this Purina Cat Chow recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original Formula With Real Chicken is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original Formula With Real Chicken, we'll examine all 36 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.

  2. Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing and is used as a source of protein. However, it's not as beneficial as meat-based proteins.

  3. Chicken By-Product Meal is a concentrated source of protein, containing essential amino acids and nutrients that support your cat's overall health, muscle development, and growth.

  4. Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your cat. It also contains essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your cat's overall health and well-being.

  5. Soybean meal is a source of protein that can support your cat's muscle development and tissue repair.

  6. Ground Yellow Corn is a carbohydrate source that provides energy for your cat. It is easily digestible and contains essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for overall well-being.

  7. Ground Whole Wheat is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting your cat's digestive health. It can be a beneficial ingredient for cats that can tolerate grains, but some cats may be allergic or sensitive to wheat, in which case grain-free alternatives should be considered.

  8. Beef Tallow (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a natural source of energy for your cat. It provides essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health, as well as overall well-being. The use of mixed tocopherols, a natural antioxidant, helps to maintain the freshness and quality of the tallow.

  9. Salmon is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and overall well-being.

  10. Natural Liver Flavor is a highly palatable ingredient that enhances the taste of your cat's food, encouraging them to eat and maintain a balanced diet. It also adds an additional source of protein to support overall health and well-being.

  11. Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.

  12. Phosphoric acid is used in small amounts as a pH adjuster and preservative to ensure optimal shelf life and safety for your cat's food.

  13. Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.

  14. Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.

  15. Dried Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium, which support your cat's overall health and well-being.

  16. Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.

  17. Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.

  18. Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  19. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that aids in energy metabolism and supports your cat's nervous system, skin, and coat health.

  20. Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.

  21. Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.

  22. Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.

  23. Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

  24. A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

  25. Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.

  26. Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.

  27. Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.

  28. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.

  29. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.

  30. Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

  31. Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.

  32. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.

  33. Copper sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.

  34. Calcium Iodate is an essential mineral supplement that provides your cat with the necessary iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health. It helps maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.

  35. Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.

  36. Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein minimum of 34.00% is largely contributed by the first few ingredients listed, which are high in protein. Chicken is a rich source of protein and is the first ingredient, suggesting it is the most abundant by weight in the formula. Following chicken, corn gluten meal and chicken by-product meal are also significant sources of protein, although they are less desirable compared to whole meats. Soybean meal further contributes to the protein content. These ingredients combined ensure the high protein level that is necessary for a cat's diet.

The Crude Fat minimum of 13.00% is likely due to the inclusion of chicken, which naturally contains fat, and beef tallow, which is a rendered form of beef or mutton fat. Beef tallow is a concentrated source of fat that helps to achieve the required fat content in the diet. Additionally, salmon, which is known for its healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, also contributes to the overall fat content of the food.

Crude Fiber maximum of 3.00% indicates the diet is not extremely high in fiber, which is appropriate for cats as they require a more protein-centric diet with moderate fiber levels. Ingredients that contribute to the fiber content include the ground whole wheat and possibly the dried spinach. These are less digestible plant-based components that provide the necessary fiber for gastrointestinal health.

The caloric content of 3740.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by all macronutrients - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates - but fats are the most calorie-dense. Therefore, the beef tallow and fats from the chicken and salmon contribute significantly to the energy density of the food. The carbohydrates from the ground yellow corn, rice, and ground whole wheat also contribute to the overall calorie content, although to a lesser degree per gram compared to fats.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original Formula With Real Chicken costs approximately $1.90 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightKittenAdult
5 lbs $6.95$10.86
10 lbs $11.69$18.26
15 lbs $15.84$24.75
20 lbs $19.66$30.71
30 lbs $26.64$41.63
40 lbs $33.06$51.66
50 lbs $39.08$61.07
60 lbs $44.81$70.01
70 lbs $50.30$78.60
80 lbs $55.60$86.87
90 lbs $60.73$94.90
100 lbs $65.73$102.70

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers express high satisfaction with Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original Formula, noting that cats of various ages and dietary needs seem to love the taste. Many have mentioned that even their pickiest eaters or those with sensitivities have thrived on this food, and it's often praised for its affordability and good ingredients, including real chicken as the first ingredient.

Several reviews highlight the positive impact of the food on their cats' health and energy levels. Cats are reported to have healthy coats, maintain a good weight, and show increased activity after switching to this formula. Additionally, the lack of artificial colors and preservatives is a recurring positive point for pet owners who are conscious about their cats' diet.

Some customers have also appreciated the product for feeding stray and feral cats, indicating that even these discerning eaters are fans of the formula. While there are occasional reports of cats not taking to the food or experiencing health issues, these are relatively few compared to the number of positive experiences shared by satisfied cat owners. Overall, Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original seems to be a well-regarded choice for a wide range of cat owners.